Community based conservation and management of dugong and seagrass habitat in Bintan, Alor, Tolitoli and Kotawaringin Barat, Indonesia (ID3)

Bintan Indonesia

$384,283

Research and anecdotal information from communities confirm that the dugong population in Indonesia is declining. Incidental catch (bycatch) and stranding in fishing gear (gill nets), as well as direct hunting are the main reasons for the decline of the dugong population here. The degradation of seagrass habitats due to destructive fishing methods, coastal development and pollution puts even more pressure on the dugong population in Indonesia.

Project ID3 will address these threats by working with communities, located in four dugong hotspots in Indonesia – Bintan, Alor, Kotawaringin Barat and Tolitoli. ID3 will study these local communities’ perception, awareness and knowledge of dugongs and seagrass, and analyse the local socio-economic conditions to identify the drivers of change to the seagrass ecosystems and dependent biodiversity, including the dugong.

This information will be used to devise socially accepted economic solutions/ models for the conservation of dugongs and sustainable management of their seagrass habitats. The economic solutions/ models will be managed by Kelompok masyarakat pengawas (POKMASWAS) or Community Surveillance Group and will provide income-generating alternatives, while at the same time reducing dugong bycatch and hunting.